The patient recalled that approximately 2 months before her headaches began she had entered a cave while on a camping trip in Texas and came into contact with flying bats. Although several bats hit her body, she did not notice any bites or scratches. The patient also reported owning pet ferrets and a dog; all were in good health and under routine veterinary care. … The patient reportedly had never received rabies prophylaxis.

What is already known on this topic?
Only six human rabies survivors have been well documented after clinical onset, and none of the survivors had abortive rabies (i.e., recovery without intensive care).

What is added by this report?
This is the first reported case in which certain clinical and serologic findings indicate abortive human rabies and in which, despite an extensive medical investigation, no alternate etiology for the illness was determined.

What are the implications for public health practice?
Clinicians treating possible human rabies, indicated by acute, progressive infectious encephalitis, a compatible exposure history, and serologic evidence of a specific lyssavirus response, should contact their state health department for engagement with CDC; public education should continue to stress the importance of avoiding exposure to bats and seeking prompt medical attention after exposure to any potentially rabid animals.